We are thrilled to report that this morning, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) agreed to co-sponsor the Senate’s version of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act extension. The pending bill is sponsored in the House by Congressman Peter King (R-NY), Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). It is sponsored in the Senate by Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer.

We now have 59 Senators who have publicly agreed to support the bill. Just as important, we are up to 224 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. While we now have a clear majority in both Houses, we still have much more work to do. We want this to be a unanimous, bilateral, permanent extension. At a time when the American people think that Congress can’t accomplish anything, this is a great opportunity for legislators to show the country that they can get together to pass this non-partisan bill. We acknowledge that none of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of Congressman Peter King. Mr. King has been the driving force behind efforts to convince fellow republicans to embrace the extension

Last week, Mike Barasch joined John Feal and two dozen first responders in Washington to meet Congressmen who had not yet voiced their support. Prior to making their rounds, Barasch and Feal visited Mr. King’s office and expressed their appreciation to him and his staff for all their support.

We educated the legislators about concerns that while the World Trade Center Health Program may have enough money to last through next spring, human nature is such that the doctors who know 9/11 illnesses best will soon begin to look for new jobs if they know that the funding will run out next year. We discussed the recent NYPD study by Cornell and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital which has noted a 50% increase in cancers among police officers who worked at Ground Zero. Finally, we warned legislators that victims would receive less than 50% of their Victim Compensation Fund awards, unless the act was reauthorized.

We reminded the Representatives that the terrorists attacked all Americans on 9/11, not just New York City and not just republicans or democrats. First responders got sick working at Ground Zero breathing toxic air that the EPA assured them was “safe”. When they sifted through the debris, in unimaginable conditions, the police officers, firefighters, construction workers and sanitation workers didn’t ask victims for their political party affiliation. Local residents and workers didn’t question the government’s declarations. “Ideally, we would like every member of Congress to get behind this legislation. We will not rest until this bill is passed,” said Barasch.

"Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson handled everything professionally and with patience. They always had time to answer all my questions and did what they promised. Thanks esp to Brian Calamaris Lee London, and Mariya Atanasova. Thank you."
- William Collins, FDNY

"If I could give them six stars I would...don't even bother talking to anyone else concerning 9/11. The whole team worked night and day to deliver an outstanding settlement. They are honest, hard working and extremely professional. Just make the one phone call and let them do the rest."
- Les Margulis, resident in the exposure zone

"I had a very good experience with Michael and Mariya. They made the process stress free. I would recommend this firm to anyone seeking assistance with 9/11 related illnesses."
- JE Kirwan, worked in the exposure zone

"The people at this firm were just great. They were concern with making sure I was taken care of in every way possible. When I was given an award Mr. Barasch didn't think it was a fair amount and appealed the decision which got me a larger award. I am very satisfied with everything they did for me in the past and are willing to do for me and my family in the future."
- Bob Wiecezak, FDNY-Retired

"Excellent law firm. Lee London and his staff were very responsive and always followed up with phone calls or emails. This firm is a strong example of what caring and personable lawyers are all about."
- Letitia Egan, wife of client, volunteer in the exposure zone

Deadline Extended to Register for Compensation

There is still time to apply for significant compensation if you have been diagnosed with any of the 68 cancers that doctors at the WTC Health Program (WTCHP) have linked to the WTC toxic dust. The deadline to apply to the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is two years from the date that a cancer has been certified by the WTC Health Program — or any other governmental agency. The two-year period to register doesn’t start on the day of a cancer diagnosis. Rather, it starts only when a cancer survivor is made aware their cancer was linked to exposure to the WTC toxins.

For those who died from their WTC-linked cancers, the two-year period for their family to register starts on the day of the death of the WTC victim.

Please help spread the word about the strict two-year deadline to register a claim

Many people have tried to complete the VCF application on their own, only to learn that it requires answers to hundreds of questions and many documents to download. It would be our pleasure to help you complete the process in order to ensure that you receive the compensation that you are entitled to. Please call us for a free consultation.

Let a knowledgeable attorney help you figure it out

A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying. You undoubtedly have questions about your disease and how you will pay for treatment. Lawyers at Barasch & McGarry ensure you understand the complex requirements and help devise the best strategies for obtaining compensation and appropriate medical care under the Zadroga Act.
Contact our law firm online or call 888-351-9421. The initial consultation is free, so it costs you nothing to find out whether a lawyer can help.

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Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Barasch & McGarry is located in New York, New York and serves clients throughout the entire New York metropolitan area, including former New York residents who have since relocated to other states and volunteers who came to New York to help in the WTC rescue and recovery efforts.

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